Ready for Black Friday? Hop a Ride on DCTA!

The biggest shopping day of the year is almost here — and DCTA can help make it faster, easier, and less stressful for you than ever. Just hop on our A-train, Connect Bus, Highland Village Connect Shuttle, Community On-Demand Service, and more to popular local shopping destinations, including Golden Triangle Mall, the Shops of Highland Village, or Vista Ridge Mall and get there in no time flat.

Just think – no need to drive, no annoying traffic jams, and no tiresome searches for that one, last, vacant parking spot in the entire lot. If you’re a DCTA newbie, you’ll be amazed at how easy we make it to get from here to there! Still, here are a few tips to make your travel and shopping experience even smoother:

Check the Schedule – Don’t forget that we will not be operating any service on Thanksgiving Day itself, but we’ll be ready to roll on Friday, November 24, to get you to the most sought-out shopping destinations in Denton County. Click here to view our full schedule you need from DCTA.net.

Get the Inside Rider Tips Scoop –Our convenient, Transit Tracker tool provides real-time information on A-train, bus, and shuttle service arrival times via web browser, text message or by phone when you dial in for automated voice information. You can also download the free Transit Tracker mobile app from Google Play or Apple iTunes for instant information on transit-vehicle locations, nearby stops, step-by-step transit directions and notifications about when to leave for your next trip.

Plan Ahead – Be sure to check your route’s arrival times before heading out for your shopping trip, arrive at your stop at least five minutes earlier than the scheduled arrival, and have your fare on hand. Keep our end-of-day schedule in mind too so you won’t risk missing the last train or bus back home. Have questions about what fare you need to #RideDCTA? Check out our recent #AskDCTA article for more information.

Have a Strategy – Consider in advance the stores you’d like to visit and the items you’re looking for. There are also several, free Black Friday smartphone apps that you can download to compare prices before you get there, including ShopSavvy, Shopular, Flipp, Price Cruncher, The Coupons App, Santa’s Bag, as well as store-specific apps. But be aware! Before you download any app, check the customer reviews section and pay close attention to the company that created it. The New York Times reported in 2016 on fake retail apps that looked like the real thing except for minor misspellings. They could be dangerous, especially if you input your financial information.

Don’t Buy More Than You Can Carry – However, if you plan to buy a lot of items (or some bulky ones), please bring a folding cart for your shopping bags. If you don’t have a cart or choose to bring one, we ask that you only carry on two bags maximum. Rest assured that DCTA is mobility-convenience friendly if your trip requires the use of a folding cart, wheelchair, stroller, bike, or other type of carriage, we’re ready and able to accommodate you!

Coach Your Kids – If you’re shopping with children, discuss explicitly what to do in case you’re separated from each other. Select a central meeting place, make sure they know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help, and make sure they have your cell phone number memorized or handy.

Know What’s on Sale … and What’s Not – Black Friday is the right time to buy televisions, computers, small appliances, clothing and even food, especially seasonal specialties such as chocolates and nuts. Home furnishings, on the other hand, are better left for after-Christmas sales. Some websites that can point you toward the best items to shop for on Black Friday (as well as things that are more likely to be discounted after the holidays) include NerdWallet, DealNews, RetailMeNot, Bankrate, and MakeUseOf.

Pack (and Dress) for Comfort – Pack some water in a spill-proof container to help keep you refreshed and hydrated during the busiest shopping day of the year. (Coffee shops are likely to be just as packed as the retail stores!) For even extra comfort while riding DCTA, remember to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and consider bringing along a phone charger, just in case!

Stay Calm – It’s going to be crowded – in the aisles as well as at the cash registers — but don’t let it get the best of you. Leave a hard-and-fast schedule behind and go with the flow. Practice deep breathing and general good cheer, and don’t be afraid to take a few minutes to refocus on the important things in life.

Make DCTA Your Best Holiday Deal of All! — Traffic on Black Friday is sure to be insane – so leave your car at home and let us help make your shopping experience easy, comfortable, safe, and convenient!

Have a question about any of these news stories or have another interesting transit story to share besides the ones we mentioned? Comment below to share your thoughts with us!